Petra: The works of men and nature.

This Jordanian ancient city of Petra is just mesmerizing!

To me, it is the works of nature and the works of men complementing each other.

Its grandeur is worthy of a spot amongst the New Seven Wonders of the World (2007) and also on the Smithsonian Magazine's list as one of the ''28 Places to See Before You Die''. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

The city was established as the capital city of Nabateans- ancient Arabs. Petra is also called  the Rose Red City due to its buildings that are carved into the rose-red colored stone. It is also believed to have been one of the affluent cities around 6th century BC until a large earthquake destroyed much of the city around 4th century AD.

The site remained unknown to most of the world until a Swiss explorer, Johannes Burckhardt, 'rediscovered' it in 1812. After this, Petra became increasingly known as a fascinating ancient city and it began attracting visitors until today.

 

The first major monument past the visitor's center is the Obelisk tomb. The top level is the actual tomb and the lower level is a dining hall.



The square cut large rock marks out boundaries of a sacred city. There are around 20 of these around Petra.

 

 

 There are horses to take visitors but only up to the Siq entrance. A lot prefer to walk and enjoy the view on a slower pace.

 

 The Siq is a 2 kilometers long winding canyon that gives a dramatic entrance to the ancient city of Petra.

The ancient main entrance of the city is a split rock. Most part of the rock is natural and  another part was sculptured by the Nabateans.

 

The rose-red colors all along the Siq are impressive. It's amazing how water erosion gave this canyon its uniqueness.



A narrow passage along the Siq.

Water passage.

 

Nabataeans wall carvings.

 

Visitors all along the Siq.

A break along the Siq.

 

Carvings

Natural rock formations.

Wall carvings.

Unfinished carving.

 It was drizzling when we went in December of 2010.

 

Nearing the end of the Siq. The first peek of The Treasury.

 

The Treasury

 

The Treasury (Al Khazna)

There was a little boy who picked a spot and took his sweet time taking photos. He seemed in awe of the place and I asked him if he could take a picture of Alain and I.

Petra's Treasury in December of 2010.

The elaborately carved facade.

 

The purpose of the Treasury is still unclear. Some archeologists believed it to be a temple. Others believe it as a place to store documents. However, recent excavation has unearthed a graveyard beneath it.

 

Carvings at the main entrance.

 

Main entrance of the Treasury.

 

 

The view of the Siq from the Treasury entrance.

The Street of Facades is lined with tall and impressive tombs.

Rows of Nabateans tombs.

 

Along the Street of Facades

Jordanian flag.

Impressive works of nature.

 

 

Tombs.

Rock colors.

There is a theater in the ancient city of Petra.

 

Theater

 

The view of the Urn Tomb from below.

 

More tombs.

 

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The proof we were there!

 Near the Treasury.

Imposing!

The last peek.

 

Our visit to Petra is part of the itinerary I have planned and called 'Ancient Rocks'. We flew from Montréal after Christmas day of 2010 to Cairo. Our Ancient Rocks trip started in Egypt to see the Pyramids of Giza. Then took a bus and a ferry to Jordan to see the ancient city of Petra. The last destination was Stonehenge, England. 

We only spent a few hours in Jordan but it gave such magnificent impressions that will be etched in our minds for longest of time.